I've certainly met people who made me think, "Wow, this person is a geek at heart, but was unfortunately raised in the wrong culture to nurture it." They don't necessarily fall into your description of pretending to work on tasks they aren't and/or working on many tasks and burning out.
randy
· 4 months ago
Interesting view to be sure, but I'm really not sure I agree with you. Maybe that’s because I identify with your definition a little too closely?
-claiming to have many interests, but constantly complaining of boredom
I have a vast array of interests, a whole slew of which are constantly changing. Yet I never complain of boredom, only of two few hours in a day to do everything I want.
-moving constantly between new obsessions, and burning out on them within days/weeks
I do this. Though I think sometimes it’s due to feeling I’ve “conquered” a topic after those days/weeks. A simple example is Sudoku. I was obsessed with playing the games during my travels and developing new strategies to do better. One night I sat down, looked up various algorithms to solve Sudoku, wrote a solver in C++, tested it on many puzzles, and considered it “conquered”. I haven’t played Sudoku since, and don’t care to. Is this what is meant by burning out?
-being somewhat negative towards others and/or anti-social
I’m far from anti-social. So maybe this disqualifies me I routinely chat it up with strangers at the local bar. Many interesting folks to meet and life stories to be heard at 2am on a Friday night!
-constantly telling others about how many interesting projects they’re working on
I do constantly tell people about what I’m working on, but not to brag, and not to make myself feel better, but to try to instill passion in others. I love to see people’s eyes light up and then listen as they share their ideas of how to make it even better. Often they’ll share what they’re working on and solicit feedback. I view sharing what you’re working on as an integral part of an intellectual community. Without rapid and constant sharing of knowledge, what benefit is there?
“All these projects, all the accomplishments (degrees, promotions, home projects, etc.)–they’re all hollow experiments designed to hopefully light a spark of identity.”
Actually, maybe the person is just rabid for knowledge, for new challenge? Maybe their identity is that of someone who craves the unknown? Once it’s understood, what fun is it?
“Anyway, I would really like to hear thoughts on the topic. I desperately want to help those who are grappling with this.”
I feel that I can identify with many of the “misfortunate” traits that you listed, yet can assure you I grew up in the “ideal” culture you mention. My father is rarely seen without a book nearby and taught me to enjoy them just the same. My parents helped me run a science club while I was a youth and took the club to many fairs and museums. I played many RPG games and was grouped in school with the “honors” children. You asked for thoughts, so I shared mine. Essentially, my view is an alternate interpretation that spins the “negative” traits in a “positive” light.
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-claiming to have many interests, but constantly complaining of boredom
I have a vast array of interests, a whole slew of which are constantly changing. Yet I never complain of boredom, only of two few hours in a day to do everything I want.
-moving constantly between new obsessions, and burning out on them within days/weeks
I do this. Though I think sometimes it’s due to feeling I’ve “conquered” a topic after those days/weeks. A simple example is Sudoku. I was obsessed with playing the games during my travels and developing new strategies to do better. One night I sat down, looked up various algorithms to solve Sudoku, wrote a solver in C++, tested it on many puzzles, and considered it “conquered”. I haven’t played Sudoku since, and don’t care to. Is this what is meant by burning out?
-being somewhat negative towards others and/or anti-social
I’m far from anti-social. So maybe this disqualifies me I routinely chat it up with strangers at the local bar. Many interesting folks to meet and life stories to be heard at 2am on a Friday night!
-constantly telling others about how many interesting projects they’re working on
I do constantly tell people about what I’m working on, but not to brag, and not to make myself feel better, but to try to instill passion in others. I love to see people’s eyes light up and then listen as they share their ideas of how to make it even better. Often they’ll share what they’re working on and solicit feedback. I view sharing what you’re working on as an integral part of an intellectual community. Without rapid and constant sharing of knowledge, what benefit is there?
“All these projects, all the accomplishments (degrees, promotions, home projects, etc.)–they’re all hollow experiments designed to hopefully light a spark of identity.”
Actually, maybe the person is just rabid for knowledge, for new challenge? Maybe their identity is that of someone who craves the unknown? Once it’s understood, what fun is it?
“Anyway, I would really like to hear thoughts on the topic. I desperately want to help those who are grappling with this.”
I feel that I can identify with many of the “misfortunate” traits that you listed, yet can assure you I grew up in the “ideal” culture you mention. My father is rarely seen without a book nearby and taught me to enjoy them just the same. My parents helped me run a science club while I was a youth and took the club to many fairs and museums. I played many RPG games and was grouped in school with the “honors” children. You asked for thoughts, so I shared mine. Essentially, my view is an alternate interpretation that spins the “negative” traits in a “positive” light.